Author Topic: Clogged brake lines. Suggestions? (Read 5009 times)

juntjoo · « **on:** May 26, 2016, 05:07:47 PM »

I don't have compressed air. Trying to get carburetor fluid Doree down there to clean and I've tracked it be clogging somewhere in the middle and at the master cylinder. Is there a special product for this or something? And how would you get some fluid/cleaner into the cables at those tiny holes inside tha those end parts collar/sleeve looking parts? Excuse my ignorance. And and please enlighten. Thanks!

Steve_K · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:28:29 PM »

If the fluid lines are plugged and air does not clean it, you need new lines. In fact, I suggest new ones cause the old ones are 40 years old.
Steve

Patrick · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:35:05 PM »

The brakes on these old bikes are not award winners to begin with. Do you really want to trust your life to lines you forced crud out of? Are you sure you will get all of it so the lines don't plug up again when you are coming very quickly into the back end of another vehicle?

Seriously. Some parts are too important to just make them work.

Patrick

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:37:02 PM »

First, carburetor cleaner eats rubber, might not be a great idea to shoot into the line because it may weaken it.

Second, if these are factory rubber lines it's best to replace them with stainless braided lines. Much better performance and being new they'll be far safer.

If the master cylinder is clogged, it can be removed, disassembled and rebuilt with new seals. But many people just buy new ones as well. Depends how far gone it is.

If the lines and MC are in bad shape, the caliper is probably not great either. Cleaning thoroughly and rebuilding with new seal and maybe new piston (if pitted) would be a good thing.

Post some pics of the lines and inside the MC. Would help to see what you're dealing with.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:46:34 PM »

http://www.rennsportautoparts.com/

They have nice lines and can do custom stuff if you need. It's best to call them up, they're really nice.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:47:39 PM »

Buy new lines.

mystic_1

eigenvector · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:47:57 PM »

I'm actually dealing with this very problem on my Nighthawk's clutch line.

Line is plugged for sure.

Do yourself a favor - unless you just can't find a replacement, get a new one. I'm not too worried about my clutch line bursting, but I sure would hate to see your front brake line fail.

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2016, 05:59:27 PM »

The damage is already done. Brake fluid is alcohol based. The rubber brake lines are designed to resist alcohol based fluids. Carb cleaner is petroleum based. Petroleum based fluids will turn alcohol resistant rubber to goo. You get three guesses as to how I came to learn this.

The first two don't count.

Replace the rubber brake lines, rebuild or replace the master cylinder, and rebuild or replace the brake caliper. Go ahead and replace the pads and scuff the rotor with a scotch brite pad while you're at it. Brakes are no place to "cut corners".

Matthewtanner · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2016, 07:31:35 PM »

I just went through this with the goldwing, ~$50 for new front lines. I don't have a lot of disposable income, didn't feel like I NEEDED stainless lines, so just bought new ones. I originally planned to flush with alcohol...but all my line where plugged up so that I just ended up making a mess, drying my hands out, and rediscovering any open wounds on my hands. I'm all for using old parts, but the juice just isn't worth the squeeze for the brake lines.

jonda500 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 26, 2016, 07:46:09 PM »

You could have fixed this with fencing wire for the hoses(if they're not cracked), a selection of guitar strings for the master and metho to flush out the crap, but now the rubber parts will all need to be renewed due to exposure to the wrong type of liquid which as already mentioned will soften/dissolve them - don't ask me how I know this

!
John

CycleRanger · « **Reply #10 on:** May 26, 2016, 07:57:57 PM »

The reason the brake line is clogged is because the inner liner has deteriorated and collapsed.
Replacement is the wisest course of action.

70CB750 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2016, 07:31:19 AM »

^^^ That^^^

el pachuco · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2016, 12:17:32 PM »

A lot of valid points are above..........However, if you still want to attempt to clear the clogged line, I had success doing so by using the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder. Disconnect the line just below the clog and hang it in a bucket or jug. Then work the brake lever until the clog is forced out.

That worked for me, after many unsuccessful attempts using cleaners and compressed air.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #13 on:** May 27, 2016, 01:14:26 PM »

Quote from: el pachuco on May 27, 2016, 12:17:32 PM

A lot of valid points are above..........However, if you still want to attempt to clear the clogged line, I had success doing so by using the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder. Disconnect the line just below the clog and hang it in a bucket or jug. Then work the brake lever until the clog is forced out.

That worked for me, after many unsuccessful attempts using cleaners and compressed air.

After you clear the lines, consult a mortician.

flybox1 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 27, 2016, 01:32:46 PM »

Quote from: DaveBarbier on May 27, 2016, 01:14:26 PM

Quote from: el pachuco on May 27, 2016, 12:17:32 PM
A lot of valid points are above..........However, if you still want to attempt to clear the clogged line, I had success doing so by using the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder. Disconnect the line just below the clog and hang it in a bucket or jug. Then work the brake lever until the clog is forced out.

That worked for me, after many unsuccessful attempts using cleaners and compressed air.

After you clear the lines, consult a mortician.

Its your choice, juntjoo, but there is one common theme in the responses above.

el pachuco · « **Reply #15 on:** May 28, 2016, 06:02:00 PM »

For that matter, we should all just stay off of bikes, all together. They're dangerous and we will probably all get killed on them.
SMH!

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #16 on:** May 28, 2016, 07:08:01 PM »

Quote from: el pachuco on May 28, 2016, 06:02:00 PM

For that matter, we should all just stay off of bikes, all together. They're dangerous and we will probably all get killed on them.
SMH!

You go ahead and try forcing a fix on old failing brake lines. You won't have an H to S.

flybox1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 28, 2016, 07:15:57 PM »

Quote from: el pachuco on May 28, 2016, 06:02:00 PM

For that matter, we should all just stay off of bikes, all together. They're dangerous and we will probably all get killed on them.
SMH!

Wait....
We are advocating changing out a likely compromised part, and YOU tell saying its not necessary, and then coming down on all of US?
You really want that on your conscience?
smh

el pachuco · « **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2016, 10:58:31 PM »

el pachuco · « **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2016, 11:11:12 PM »

I did have a clogged brake line on my '75 CB750. I did clear it, as described above. And I am running it.
But i never advised anyone to do what I did. I merely told the OP how I cleared MY line.
He can do with that information as he pleases.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #20 on:** May 29, 2016, 04:40:51 AM »

So back on the subject of good ideas...get new lines and go through the braking system rebuilding or replacing questionable parts.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 29, 2016, 04:55:54 AM »

Quote from: juntjoo on May 26, 2016, 05:07:47 PM

the cables at those tiny holes inside tha those end parts collar/sleeve looking parts

Those fittings are called "banjo fittings" by the by.

Also, the little washers that were on either side of each banjo fitting when you removed them are crush washers, and should be replaced each time you use them, they're more or less little gaskets.

mystic_1

juntjoo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 04, 2016, 08:25:20 AM »

Crush? Like with the split and little bend? Not mine. Just flat and unbroken.

juntjoo · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2016, 08:26:23 AM »

Thanks all for the replies. I've got the message here.

juntjoo · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2016, 08:27:47 AM »

Quote from: DaveBarbier on May 26, 2016, 05:46:34 PM

http://www.rennsportautoparts.com/

They have nice lines and can do custom stuff if you need. It's best to call them up, they're really nice.

Thanks. Will check it out

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Author Topic: Clogged brake lines. Suggestions? (Read 5009 times)